Mini Fastest Cinnamon Buns with Rum Raisins

I've been racking my brain for a few more Make it Mini creations and the cold, gloomy weather inspired me to play in the kitchen this morning. Warm and gooey cinnamon buns...definitely an indulgence and perfect for a lazy Sunday morning. I knew Fine Cooking would have a recipe and I was able to find the "Fastest Cinnamon Buns" recipe and article with a Google search. I made a few substitutions, based on available ingredients in the house, and a few modifications to make these Minis.

In the dough, I substituted ricotta cheese for the cottage cheese. In the filling, I substituted rum raisins for the pecans (John had some leftover rum raisins from making our St. Patrick's Day Irish Soda Bread - raisins marinated in dark rum). I divided the dough and filling in half so I could make two, smaller and longer jelly rolls. I was able to cut 12 rounds from each jelly roll and and then used a 24-muffin tin to bake the buns. The cinnamon buns puffed up nicely, but retained their mini shapes within the muffin tins. I also added a little dark rum to the glaze. These two-bite cinnamon buns were delicious. Before I was tempted to eat more than two, I passed most of them out to my neighbors and made John eat the remaining six!

peskyone writes: Now that is what I am talking about!!!! I can almost smell the cinammon beautifullness. I agree with Lisa, perfect for portion control. I also agree with Pie, rum rasins, ---- NICE!!!
Posted: 9:38 pm on April 5th

Pielove writes: This is brilliant! I think the rum raisins really send these over the top. Great photography too, as usual!
pie
Posted: 10:10 pm on March 30th

LisaWaddle writes: I've made this recipe in the full-size version, and I love the idea of making them mini. Your photos look incredible. This is a great way to exert portion-control.
Posted: 1:16 pm on March 30th

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The Good Life Challenge: Make It Mini

Over the course of one month, Ellie Krieger is challenging you to Make It Mini: Create downsized versions of your own favorite indulgences, and share what you've made with the community. Taking the challenge is easy:

Step Three:Browse the gallery and get inspired! You can comment on other entries, and give your favorite photos a thumbs-up rating.

The user posting the most creative mini treat will win a prize package including a Kyocera ceramic santoku knife and signed copy of Ellie's cookbook, The Food You Crave. Twenty five runners up will receive a copy of the special issue Eat Smart with Ellie Krieger.